Viña Tondonia 1994 Gran Reserva

Wine: Viña Tondonia 1994 Gran Reserva

Winery: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 12%
Winemaking

The wine spent 6 months in oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation. It was then aged for 10 years in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels handcrafted by the winery's own coopers. The wine underwent two manual rackings (trasiegas) per year. Fined with fresh egg whites and bottled directly from the cask without filtration. It features a special wax seal to ensure optimal bottle evolution and protect it from contamination. Limited production of 18,000 bottles. It was aged in the bottle for a minimum of 44 months prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: Bright, luminous, and pristine reddish-ruby with medium-high depth. This is one of the most highly extracted Tondonias we have ever seen. It shows pomegranate and orange highlights with a narrow copper rim.

 

Nose: A red wine that delivers from the moment it is uncorked. Open and highly intense, it shows a powerful varietal expression. Brimming with ripe red fruit, cherries in brandy, and fragrant floral undertones. It continues to open with aromatic herbs, a balsamic touch of sage and bay leaf, orange zest, vanilla, and a toasted background of licorice and charcoal. A recognizable Tondonia of immense power and "youth" that is still only taking its first steps.

 

Palate: Fresh and spicy on the palate; earthy, with high-toned (acídulo) notes and a soaring acidity that will require many years in the bottle to soften. Lively and spirited, somewhat rugged and concentrated; citric, dry, and fruity, with a structural backbone that is quite intimidating. It is immensely enjoyable now (especially for the sensation of being before one of the all-time great Tondonias), and in a few years, it will be the star of any cellar. It needs time to round out and integrate gradually. It has everything it takes to be legendary. A wine to leave to one's grandchildren!

 

Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Score: 93